HOT WORK PERMIT PROGRAM TRAINING John Braun
1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.2 Purpose The Hot Work Permit Program has been developed for University employees that work on or around hot work activities. This program will help ensure employee health and safety at the University of Nevada, Reno. 1.3 Scope For the purposes of this program, hot work is defined as any temporary operation involving open flames or producing heat and/or sparks. This includes, but is not limited to: grinding, cutting, brazing, soldering, thawing frozen pipes by torch, torch applied roofing and welding. Thi li ll l i l di h This program applies to all personnel, including contractors, who are involved with/or who may be involved in hot work activities.
2.0 RESPONSIBILITIES 2.1 Directors, Deans and Department Managers Provide administrative and financial support Implement and maintain the Hot Work Permit Program Designate Permit Authorizing Individual(s) (PAI) Ad i t t b t fl bl t i l h d diti i Advise contractors about flammable materials or hazardous conditions in areas where they will be working prior to start of work
2.0 RESPONSIBILITIES 2.2 Supervisors, Foreman, Principal Investigators, Project Leaders, and Project Coordinators Subordinates are trained and understand the program Submit Permit Authorizing Individuals (PAI) to the Director or Department Managers Ensure Subordinates fulfill all requirements prior to performing hot work Maintain all equipment in safe operating condition Precautions listed on the Hot Work Permit are understood and followed Inform outside contractors the expectations of this policy Verify contractors have the necessary hot work permits required for their work
2.0 RESPONSIBILITIES 2.3 Environmental Health and Safety Technical resource Hot Work Permit Program instruction, as needed Review and revise the Hot Work Permit Program Conduct Hot Work Permit safety assessments to determine if any engineering and/or other controls are needed, and how they should be implemented Recommend appropriate engineering controls, administrative controls and personal protective equipment Conduct Hot Work Permit training Inspect and approve Designated Hot Work Areas
3.0 HOT WORK BASICS On occasion, UNR employees are required to perform hot work operations. When the need arises, the use of a Hot Work Permit may be required, and when specific procedures and regulations are followed, injuries to workers and damage to property are prevented. The purpose of this guide is to provide an overview of safety standards as they relate to Hot Work Permitting.
3.0 HOT WORK BASICS Hot Work Operations All welding, cutting, open torches and other hot work operations and equipment shall comply with this program. Hot work shall only be conducted in areas designed or authorized for that purpose by the personnel responsible for the Hot Work Program. Hot work shall not be conducted in the following areas unless approval has been obtained. 1. Areas where the sprinkler system is impaired. 2. Areas where there exists the potential of an explosive atmosphere, such as locations where flammable gases, liquids, or vapors are present. 3. Areas with readily ignitable materials, such as storage of large quantities of bulk sulfur, baled paper, cotton, lint, dust, or loose combustible materials. 4. At other locations as specified by the code official
4.1 Designated Hot Work Rooms A designated hot work room is a permanent location designed for hot work. These rooms do not require a permit to perform hot work. For a room to be classified as a designated hot work room, it must meet the following requirements: It must be of noncombustible fire resistive construction, essentially free of combustible and flammable contents. It must be suitably segregated from adjacent areas. It must be equipped with fire extinguishers. It must be inspected and approved by EH&S Must meet these standards or disciplinary action will be taken and/or the Designation will be removed!!
4.2 Not Requiring a Hot Work Permit Operations that produce a flame, sparks, hot slag or enough heat to ignite combustible materials should be considered hot work with a few exceptions. The following operations do not require a Hot Work Permit: Bunsen burners in laboratories fixed grinding wheels electric soldering irons
5.0 PEOPLE INVOVLED 5.1 A Permit Authorizing Individual (PAI) inspects hot work sites prior to the start of hot work operations using the checklist found on the Hot Work Permit Form. Any employee who has successfully completed hot work safety training and is designated by the Director, Asst Director or Principal Investigator can serve as a PAI
5.0 PEOPLE INVOVLED 5.2 Hot Work Operators (HWOs) are employees who perform hot work operations. A HWO must always obtain a Hot Work Permit before beginning hot work. Any employee, who has successfully completed hot work safety training and is trained on the equipment being operated, can serve as a HWO. The HWO must do the following: Ensure that conditions are safe before commencing the hot work operation. Understand the hazards associated with the work and the actions needed to minimize or eliminate the hazard.
5.0 PEOPLE INVOVLED 5.2 Hot Work Operators (HWOs) Be prepared to contact their supervisor should conditions change or warrant reassessment during the hot work project. Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) while performing hot work (welding helmets, gloves, jackets, etc.). Must have successfully completed annual fire extinguisher training, including hands-on. (2006 IFC 2604.2.4) Complete the appropriate sections of the hot work permit. NOTE: A HWO can also be a PAI, but they are NOT allowed to issue their own Hot Work Permits.
5.0 PEOPLE INVOVLED 5.3 A Fire Watch Is posted to monitor the safety of hot work operations and watch for fires. If the situation requires one, Fire Watches are posted by a PAI during hot work, and for at least 30 minutes after work has been completed. Any employee who has successfully completed hot work safety training can serve as the Fire Watch. Fire Watch individuals are responsible for: No other duties except to watch for fire, extinguish spot fires, and communicate an alarm. (2006 IFC 2604.2.3) Being aware of the inherent hazards involved in the hot work
5.0 PEOPLE INVOVLED 5.3 A Fire Watch Safe conditions are maintained during hot work operations Watch for fires Ensuring that appropriate fire extinguishers are readily available. Knowing how to report a fire or other emergency situation. Using the appropriate PPE Completing the appropriate section of the hot work permit. Completing annual fire extinguisher e training, including hands-on. (2006 IFC 2604.2.4)
6.0 SAFETY MEASURES 6.1 The 35-Foot Rule All flammable and combustible materials within a 35-foot radius of hot work must be removed. When flammable and combustible materials within a 35-foot radius of hot work cannot be removed they must be covered with flame retardant tarps and a fire watch must be posted. Floors and surfaces within a 35-foot radius of the hot work area must be swept free of combustible dust or debris. All openings or cracks in the walls, floors, or ducts that are potential travel passages for sparks, heat and flames must be covered.
6.0 SAFETY MEASURES 6.2 Fire Detection and Suppression A fire extinguisher must be readily available and accessible. Entire building smoke detection and alarms systems cannot be shut down. Instead smoke detectors in the area of hot work may be covered for the duration of hot work to prevent false alarms. Contact Fire & Life Safety Shop when alarm devices are required to be covered. A t ti i kl t t b h t d t f Automatic sprinkler systems may not be shut down to perform hot work. Contact Fire & Life Safety for coordination.
6.0 SAFETY MEASURES 6.3 Fire Watch A Fire Watch must be posted by a PAI if the following conditions exist: Combustible b materials cannot be removed from within a 35-ft radius of the hot work Wall or floor openings of hot work expose combustible materials in adjacent areas, including concealed spaces in walls and floors within the 35-ft radius Combustible materials are adjacent to the opposite side of partitions, walls, ceilings or roofs and are likely to be ignited. Fire extinguishers will be provided by the Fire & Life Safety Shop rather than people removing them from building locations
7.0 GENERAL Work should be performed using alternative methods other than hot work whenever possible Hot work should be performed in designated hot work rooms/areas whenever practical. A Hot Work Permit is valid for one day and one area and should be posted in the area of hot work for the duration of the activity. it Communication devices shall be readily available at the job site. A minimum of one portable fire extinguisher shall be readily accessible within 30 feet of the location where hot work is performed. (2006 IFC 2604.2.6) A copy of every permit shall be filed by the PAI and kept for one A copy of every permit shall be filed by the PAI and kept for one year.
80 8.0 FIRE WATCH When Required: A fire watch shall be provided during hot work activities specified in section 6.3 and shall continue for a minimum of 30 minutes after the conclusion of the work. The fire code official or the PAI is authorized to extend the fire watch based on the hazards or work being performed. (2006 IFC 2604.2.1) Exception: Where the hot work area has no fire hazards or Exception: Where the hot work area has no fire hazards or combustible exposures, then a Fire Watch is not required.
80 8.0 FIRE WATCH Location: The fire watch shall be positioned so that the extinguishment of a spot fire is not delayed. Hot work conducted in areas with vertical or horizontal fire exposures that are not observable by a single individual shall have additional personnel assigned to fire watches to ensure that exposed areas are monitored. (2006 IFC 2604.2.2) Duties: Individuals designated to fire watch shall have no other duties except to watch for fire, extinguish spot fires, and communicate an alarm. (2006 IFC 2604.2.3)
80 8.0 FIRE WATCH Fire Training: The individuals responsible for performing the hot work and individuals responsible for providing the fire watch shall have fire-extinguishing equipment readily available and shall be trained in the use of such equipment. (2006 IFC 2604.2.4) Fire Extinguisher: A minimum of one portable fire extinguisher within 30 ft, but within 10 ft of the Fire Watch, of the location where hot work is performed. (2006 IFC 2604.2.6) Contact Fire & Life Safety for Fire Extinguishers
9.0 PROCEDURES 9.1 Hot Work Permit Form The Hot Work Permit [see Appendix A] shall be the permit system. Alternative permits may be used only after approved by EH&S
9.0 PROCEDURES 9.2 Prior To Hot Work Several tasks must be performed before hot work begins. These include, but are not limited to: When the hot-work area is accessible to persons other than the operator of the equipment, conspicuous signs shall be posted to warn others before they enter the hot-work area. (2006 IFC 2603.6) Such signs shall display the following warning: CAUTION HOT WORK IN PROGRESS STAY CLEAR
9.0 PROCEDURES 9.3 During Hot Work During the hot work there are other precautions that must be taken: Appropriate fire extinguishing equipment shall be maintained in close proximity to the hot work for its entire duration, plus 30 minutes. Combustible floors shall be kept wet during the hot work. Work on a noncombustible or hot work blanket whenever possible. Store acetylene and other fuel cylinders in a secure and upright position. Place hoses so that they will not be crushed or damaged. Be constantly aware of conditions that may cause a fire to start. Floors shall be kept clean within the hot work area. (2006 IFC 2604.1.3)
9.0 PROCEDURES 9.4 After Hot Work There are some responsibilities that must be undertaken after hot work is completed: A fire watch shall be provided during hot work activities as specified in section 6.3 and shall continue for a minimum of 30 minutes after the conclusion of the work. The PAI is authorized to extend the fire watch based on the hazards or work being performed. (2006 IFC 2604.2.1) 2 ONLY WHEN A FIRE WATCH IS REQUIRED; the hot work area shall be inspected by the Permit Authorizing Individual at least once a day to ensure that the area remains fire-safe. (2006 IFC 2604.3) The PAI will complete the appropriate sections of the hot work permit and return the completed form to the supervisor. Fire extinguishing equipment must remain accessible in the area until the fire watch is completed and all paperwork has been signed by the PAI.
9.5 Prohibited Hot Work Situations Hot work activities are not permitted when the following conditions exist: In sprinkler buildings, where the entire sprinkler system is impaired. When the entire building s fire detection system is shut down. In the presence of explosive atmospheres, where mixtures of flammable gases, vapors, liquids or dust may exist. In tanks, drums or other containers or equipment that contains or previously contained materials that could create explosive atmospheres. On pipes that are in contact with combustible walls, ceilings, roofs or partitions where heat by conduction can cause ignition. On containers where flammable liquids, solids or vapors may be present. On O metal walls, ceilings or roofs built of composite, combustible, and sandwich-type panel construction or having combustible coverings.
9.5 Prohibited Hot Work Situations cont. Areas, including those with confined spaces, where atmospheres of explosive gases, vapors, or dusts exist or could accumulate. Areas where there are large amounts of combustibles not practical to move or cover, such as roll paper, cotton or jute storage. On partitions, walls, ceilings, or roofs with combustibles coverings such as expanded plastic insulation. On partitions of combustible sandwich types construction. Areas where processes involving flammable liquids, gases, and dusts can not be shut down or made safe. Where lint conditions are severe and beyond correction. On pipes and other metals that can conduct enough heat to ignite nearby combustibles. Areas that contain combustibles or shall be provided d with appropriate shielding to prevent sparks, slag or heat from igniting exposed combustibles. (2006 IFC 2604.1.1)
10.00 SAFETY TRAINING 10.1 Safety Training Individuals involved in hot work are required to complete hot work safety training; this includes Supervisors, Permit Authorizing Individuals, Hot Work Operators and Fire Watch personnel. The following EH&S courses must be completed: Hot Work Permit Training Required upon initial assignment and refresher training required every 5 years. Fire Extinguisher Training Required once a year. The hands-on classroom training must be completed for the initial class. The fire extinguisher training course (without Hands-on) may be completed for the annual refresher requirement.
10.2 Dept Training Supervisors shall train employees on departmental Hot Work Permit procedures and specific safety procedures for the type of hot work equipment used. This training shall be completed upon initial assignment and cover the following subjects: Safety procedures specific to the equipment used Required personal protective equipment for tasks Identification of Permit Authorizing Individuals and how they can be contacted Where to file copies of completed Hot Work Permits Locations of designated hot work rooms where a Hot Work Permit is not required
11.0 CONTRACTORS Outside contractors that are under contract with UNR are required to have hot work safety program as a part of their project safety programs. All contractors must have at least an equivalent hot work permit program. Contractors working on capital projects at UNR are required to follow the hot work guidelines outlined in project specifications. Every contractor should submit their hot work procedure prior to the start of a construction project and if any metal cutting, welding, soldering or grinding occurs that they follow their procedure. Coordinate fire alarms with the Fire & Life Safety shop as they need to be notified in advance of pending hot work. Contractors are responsible for completing and their own Hot Work Permit and must have their own fire watch person.
12.0 RECORDKEEPING 12.1 Hot Work Permits All hot work permits shall be returned to the issuing supervisor for their record retention. Records of hot work permits should be maintained for one calendar year. Hot work permits on record should be reviewed for program improvement or modification purposes prior to disposal. 12.2 Training Copies of records of all program related training conducted by individual departments should be maintained in the department personnel e files. Copies of training records shall be sent to Occupational Safety Officer.
HOT WORK PERMIT